2×2 optical fiber switch

Abstract

A 2×2 optical fiber switch has a structure that does not produce an alignment error between the position of the central axis of optical fiber assemblies with lenses and the symmetry center position of rectangular prisms, thereby obviating the need of the skill for assembling adjustment. The 2×2 optical fiber switch is provided with first, second, third, and fourth optical fiber assemblies with lenses that are disposed such that the optical axes thereof are parallel in the same reference plane. The optical fiber assemblies with lenses are supported by a lens holding member. A prism holding member is supported by the lens holding member such that it supports first and second prisms and moves between a coupling position and a retreated position in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A 2×2 optical fiber switch comprising: first and second optical fiber assemblies with lenses disposed so that optical axes thereof are parallel to each other within the same reference plane;   a third optical fiber assembly with a lens disposed oppositely to said first optical fiber assembly with the lens on the same optical axis, an interval being maintained therebetween;   a fourth optical fiber assembly with a lens disposed oppositely to said second optical fiber assembly with the lens on the same optical axis, an interval being maintained therebetween;   a lens holding member for supporting said first through fourth optical fiber assemblies with lenses while maintaining said positional relationship;   a first rectangular prism in which an inclined surface thereof is disposed oppositely to said first optical fiber assembly with the lens and said second optical fiber assembly with the lens so as to optically couple said first optical fiber assembly with the lens to said second optical fiber assembly with the lens;   a second rectangular prism in which an inclined surface thereof is disposed oppositely to said third optical fiber assembly with the lens and said fourth optical fiber assembly with the lens so as to optically couple said third optical fiber assembly with the lens to said fourth optical fiber assembly with the lens; and   a prism holding member which supports said first and second rectangular prisms and which is supported by said lens holding member so that it may move between said coupling position and a retreated position in a direction perpendicular to said reference plane.   
     
     
       2. A 2×2 optical fiber switch according to claim 1, wherein said first and second rectangular prisms are respectively inserted and bonded in two rectangular V grooves provided in said prism holding member. 
     
     
       3. A 2×2 optical fiber switch according to claim 1, wherein said lens holding member and said prism holding member are fabricated by plastic injection molding or precision die casting using an aluminum light alloy or the like. 
     
     
       4. A 2×2 optical fiber switch according to claim 1, wherein two through holes are provided in parallel within the reference plane of said lens holding member in order to support the optical fibers with lenses. 
     
     
       5. A 2×2 optical fiber switch according to claim 1, wherein two alignment V grooves are provided in parallel within the reference plane of said lens holding member in order to support the optical fibers with lenses. 
     
     
       6. A 2×2 optical fiber switch according to claim 1, wherein collimator lenses of said optical fibers with lenses are GRIN lenses.